Collectively, it was an “eye-opening” event on the future of Generative AI, hospitality trends and travel tech leadership
You can’t truly talk about the Next Generation without including the people who will help shape the future of travel and hospitality. Just like years prior, we invited several students from the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to attend WiT Singapore 2024 and get a glimpse into their potential roles in a fast-evolving sector.
Suffice to say, the experience was both enlightening and inspiring.
For example, Tan Jun Heng was particularly impressed by the range of topics covered at the event. “I gained deeper insights into how AI is impacting the travel industry, sustainability challenges, and the relationship between OTAs and hotels,” he shared, associating the relevance of the discussions for his future career.
“The startup pitch session was engaging and introduced fresh perspectives and ideas that contribute to the travel ecosystem.”
Like many of his peers, Jun Heng called the event a launchpad toward his own future in hospitality, feeling “motivated and inspired” by the experience.
“I came expecting to hear about the latest technologies, but I left with a much deeper understanding of the human element that drives this sector.”
– Megan Foo, student
For Ngu Yi Xuan, the event was an opportunity to connect with professionals and learn from their experiences. “This event was truly an eye-opener,” she reflected, particularly recalling advice from Greg Schulze, Chief Commercial Officer, Expedia. “He said that success comes from having access to information and the courage to act on it, which really resonated with me.”
Yi Xuan appreciated the real-world challenges discussed, such as language barriers, and how they presented opportunities for future solutions. Inspired by the event, she added, “It motivates me to seize opportunities, take bold actions, and continuously seek knowledge to drive positive change.”
(Top row, from left): Oh Jia Jie Gerald, Tan Yin Feng Derek, Bryan Fong Zhong Hao, Tan Jun Heng, Mun Jun Jie, Ngu Yi Xuan
(Front row, from left): Foo Fang Hui Megan , Neo Yu Xuan Sheann, Taheraa D/O Tajuddin, Eunice Yoo, Lee Wei Lin Jeslyn, Tan Ning Xuan
The focus on innovation and industry evolution was also a key takeaway for Tan Ning Xuan. “The keynote speakers provided insightful sharings on trends and statistics shaping our hospitality industry,” Ning Xuan said, noting how sessions on air travel growth and guest experience enhancement were particularly impactful. She was also inspired by the collaborative efforts discussed, such as Singapore Tourism Board’s partnerships with Google Maps and local brands to boost customer engagement. “This experience has inspired me to dream big and embrace the opportunities that come,” she reflected.
Gerald Oh echoed this sentiment, expressing his appreciation for the event’s style of curation. “Each session was designed to provide a wealth of knowledge that we wouldn’t have been able to gain within the confines of a classroom.” The networking opportunities stood out to Gerald, who found value in exchanging ideas with professionals from around the world. “This event was an eye-opening experience that enriched both our professional perspectives and our personal growth,” he concluded.
“It motivates me to seize opportunities, take bold actions, and continuously seek knowledge to drive positive change.”
– Ngu Yi Xuan, student
For Derek Tan, the event highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in an industry that’s rapidly changing. “One recurring theme was the accelerating pace of technological change and the need for agility,” he noted, emphasising the growing importance of soft skills (such as communication and collaboration). “The conversations during breaks and networking sessions solidified my key takeaways.”
The event also left a strong impression on Derek about the importance of sustainability in the hospitality sector. “This experience ignited a deeper passion for the industry and a commitment to prioritise ethical and sustainable practices in my future career.”
For Ngu Yi Xuan, the event was an opportunity to connect with professionals and learn from their experiences. “This event was truly an eye-opener,” she reflected, particularly recalling advice from Greg Schulze, Chief Commercial Officer, Expedia (photo above). “He said that success comes from having access to information and the courage to act on it, which really resonated with me.”
Meanwhile, Jeslyn Lee described the event as more than just a conference, calling it a “journey of discovery” that empowered her as a next-generation leader. “The Next Gen Leaders Roundtable provided a platform for us to voice our perspectives and engage in meaningful dialogue with industry professionals,” she said. Jeslyn also found the informal networking opportunities valuable, as they sparked new ideas and broadened her understanding of the global hospitality landscape. “Leaving the WiT event, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of my own potential.”
For Mun Jun Jie, who attended his first professional conference at WiT, the impact of the event was especially felt during the annual Global Startup Pitch. This year, Seedup Winners showcased their ventures during the WiT Bootcamp while Scaleup Winners faced a panel of ‘dragons’ on the Main Stage. HotelTreats.com and Nowadays were voted winners of the People’s Choice Award for their respective brackets.
“This event was an eye-opening experience that enriched both our professional perspectives and our personal growth.”
– Gerald Oh, student
“I gained valuable insights into future trends, emerging opportunities, and disruptive technologies, especially those impacting online travel agents,” Jun Jie said. He found the startup pitches inspiring, noting the role of adaptability in the industry. “This event broadened my ideas and introduced me to a variety of global startups and SMEs that I had not met before.”
Seedup winner and CEO of Nowadays, Anna Sun, presenting in front of a panel of judges at the WiT Bootcamp.
Several students found the human element of the industry equally important. Megan Foo was pleasantly surprised by the focus on inclusivity and accessibility. “I came expecting to hear about the latest technologies, but I left with a much deeper understanding of the human element that drives this sector,” she shared.
Similarly, Taheraa Tajuddin said the networking sessions pushed her outside of her comfort zone, allowing her to make new connections and build meaningful relationships. “I learned the importance of active listening and effective communication, skills that will serve me well beyond my professional life.”
For others, like Sheann Neo, WiT Singapore 2024 provided a platform for exploring different career paths within the industry. “The event opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn’t considered before, from revenue management to sustainable tourism,” Sheann said, feeling more confident about her future direction.
Bryan Fong also appreciated the opportunity to interact with industry leaders. “The event reinforced the relevance of my current studies and provided exposure to emerging trends in travel,” he noted, adding that the candid coffee chats and startup pitches were pretty engaging.
Check out last year’s video:
